Objectives To examine the association between cigarette price increase and youth smoking initiation in Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H), and to assess additional factors—including parental smoking, peer influence, pocket money, anti-tobacco media exposure and smoking in school environments—that potentially affect smoking initiation among adolescents. Design A pseudopanel study using WHO Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS) data from two compatible surveys conducted in 2018 (Republic of Srpska) and 2019 (Federation of B&H). A split-population duration model was employed to estimate the hazard of youth smoking initiation. Setting Primary and secondary schools across two entities in B&H, covering both urban and rural areas. Participants A total of 9702 students aged 13–15 years completed the surveys. Inclusion criteria involved being enrolled in grades 7–9 of primary school or the first year of secondary school. No additional exclusion criteria were applied beyond incomplete or invalid survey responses. Interventions None. Primary outcome measure Self-reported smoking initiation, defined as having tried or experimented with cigarette smoking, even one or two puffs. Results A 10% increase in cigarette prices was associated with a 4.9% reduction in the probability of youth smoking initiation (price elasticity of −0.491, p<0.001). Exposure to antitobacco media messages was linked to a lower likelihood of smoking initiation. Conversely, parental smoking, peer influence, observing smoking within school premises and having greater disposable pocket money all showed significant positive associations with youth smoking initiation. Conclusions Raising cigarette prices constitutes an effective measure to discourage smoking initiation among youth in B&H, operating both directly and indirectly through reductions in parental and peer smoking. Nonetheless, non-price factors play a substantial role, highlighting the complexity of adolescent smoking behaviour and the necessity for a comprehensive, multifaceted tobacco control strategy. Trial registration Not applicable (observational study).

Beetroot (Beta vulgaris L.) is a plant grown for its roots, which are used to obtain sugar, feed animals, and for human use. Beetroot skin, a by-product of food processing, is a significant source of bioactive compounds, including dietary fiber and antioxidants. The primary objective of this work was to utilize beetroot skin powder to produce value-added nougat. Analytical methods, like antioxidant activity tests, proximate analysis, and sensory assessments, are used to determine the impact of beetroot skin powder on the final product. The beetroot skin powder extract had a remarkable content of phytochemicals and antioxidant activity. The inhibitory effect of the extract was tested on enzymes linked to metabolic syndrome, oxidative stress, and inflammation. The beetroot skin powder extract inhibited α-glucosidase, α-amylase, lipase, and lipoxygenase enzymes. The characterization of value-added nougat illustrates the multifunctionality of beetroot peel powder within its composition, serving as a significant source of natural compounds with antioxidant, coloring, and flavoring properties. This enhances sensory attributes, including color, aroma, and texture, augmenting product diversity and consumer appeal. This is evidenced by the increase in the total content of betalains (3.77 ± 0.09 mg/g DW.) and polyphenols (69.48 ± 2.88 mg GAE/100 g DW.), which lead to high antioxidant activity (73.89 ± 3.65 mM Trolox/100 g DW.) for the nougat sample with 6% added beetroot powder. Thus, beetroot skin powder replaced chemically synthesized additives with antioxidants and natural pigments, improving life quality and implicitly capitalizing on beetroot processing by-products, supporting circular economy principles at the global level.

Neuroinvasive arboviruses such as tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV), West Nile virus (WNV), Usutu virus (USUV), and Toscana virus (TOSV) have (re-)emerged with increasing incidence and geographic range. We analyzed the epidemiology of arboviral infections in Croatia during the 2024 transmission season. A total of 154 patients with neuroinvasive diseases (NID), 1596 horses, 69 dead birds, and 7726 mosquitoes were tested. Viral RNA was detected using RT-qPCR. IgM/IgG-specific antibodies were detected using commercial ELISA or IFA, with confirmation of cross-reactive samples by virus neutralization test. RT-qPCR-positive samples were Sanger sequenced. Arboviral etiology was confirmed in 33/21.42% of patients with NID. WNV was most frequently detected (17/11.03%), followed by TBEV (10/6.49%), USUV (5/3.24%), and TOSV (1/0.64%). WNV infections were reported in regions previously known as endemic, while in one continental county, WNV was recorded for the first time. USUV infections re-emerged after a six-year absence. In addition to human cases, acute WNV infections were recorded in 11/395 (2.78%) of horses and two dead crows. WNV IgG seropositivity was detected in 276/1168 (23.63%) and TBEV IgG seropositivity in 68/428 (15.88%) horses. None of the tested mosquito pools were positive for WNV and USUV RNA. Phylogenetic analysis showed the circulation of WNV lineage 2 and Usutu Europe 2 lineage. Climate conditions in 2024 in Croatia were classified as extremely warm, which could, at least in part, impact the quite intense arboviral season. The spreading of flaviviruses in Croatia highlights the need for continuous surveillance in humans, animals, and vectors (“One Health”).

Abstract The present study explores linkages between the relational driver (brand involvement) and relationship outcomes (affective brand commitment and brand community identification) of consumer brand engagement among luxury and neo-luxury brands. The sample consisted of 616 consumers, compromising 311 owners of the Hugo Boss brand and 305 owners of the Massimo Dutti brand. Structural equation modelling (SEM) and multi-group analysis were used to test the proposed hypotheses. Findings suggest that brand involvement positively influences the three facets of consumer brand engagement - cognitive, affective, and behavioural, in the context of luxury and neo-luxury consumption. Moreover, the affective component of consumer brand engagement strongly predicts affective brand commitment for luxury and neo-luxury brands. Our findings indicate that the brand community identification with luxury and neo-luxury brands is only driven by affective consumer engagement.

Background/Objectives: Ivy leaf extract has been shown to alleviate bronchial infection symptoms through various mechanisms, including anti-inflammatory effects. However, its impact on adaptive immunity, particularly dendritic cell (DC)/T-cell interactions, remains unexplored. This study investigated the immunomodulatory potential of ivy leaf extract (EA 575®) using human monocyte-derived DCs (MoDCs). Methods: Immature MoDCs (imMoDCs) were differentiated with IL-4/GM-CSF and matured with LPS/IFN-γ (mMoDCs). MoDCs, treated with EA 575® during differentiation, were co-cultured with purified T cells. Results: EA 575® (non-cytotoxic up to 100 µg/mL) inhibited MoDC differentiation and maturation by reducing the expression of CD1a, CD83, CD40, CD86, HLA-DR, Dectin-1, CD206, CD209, HIF-1α, and proinflammatory cytokines (IL-12, IL-23, IL-27, IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α). EA 575®-treated mMoDCs suppressed allogeneic T-cell proliferation and reduced Th1 (IFN-γ), Th17 (IL-17A, IL-22), Th9 (IL-9), Th21 (IL-21), TNF-α, and IL-6 responses. Effects were dose-dependent, with higher concentrations (100 µg/mL) showing stronger inhibition. At lower concentrations (20 µg/mL), EA 575® increased Th2 (IL-4, IL-5) and IL-10 responses, and the frequencies of CD4+ T cells with Treg properties, such as CD25hiFoxp3+, Tr1 (IL-10+Foxp3−), and IL-35+ Foxp3+ cells. Immunoregulatory mechanisms mediated by EA 575®-treated mMoDCs correlated with the upregulation of tolerogenic markers (PD-L1, ILT3, ILT4, IDO1) on mMoDCs and the increased frequency of exhausted CD4+ T cells (PD-1+CD69+) and cytotoxic T cells (Granzyme B+PD-1+). Conclusions: EA 575® induces tolerogenic DCs with significant anti-inflammatory and immunoregulatory properties, a previously undescribed phenomenon. Lower concentrations primarily enhance immunoregulatory responses, while higher concentrations exert more pronounced anti-inflammatory effects.

Abstract This paper examines the key aspects of corporate governance of state-owned enterprises (SOEs) through a comparative survey conducted in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, and Serbia. The research explores two distinct perspectives: the state’s view on the necessity and governance of SOEs, and the perspective of SOE boards on operational and strategic challenges. From the state’s perspective, the survey addresses issues such as the protection of national economic interests, state ownership in key industries, equitable service provision, and the reinvestment of SOE profits into public projects. Findings suggest a strong alignment among respondents across all three countries, supporting the idea that state ownership ensures economic sovereignty and guarantees fair access to essential services. On the other hand, the board perspective highlights concern about the bureaucratic barriers faced by SOEs, the influence of political interference on financial performance, and the limitations of public ownership in enhancing global competitiveness. Board respondents expressed the need for greater autonomy in decision-making and stressed the importance of partnerships with the private sector to optimise SOE efficiency and market position. The article synthesises these findings to address the broader question: Are SOEs essential in modern economies, or do they require reform to meet contemporary challenges? The results indicate that while SOEs hold strategic importance, reforms focused on reducing bureaucracy, enhancing governance, and promoting public-private partnerships are crucial for their future viability.

Maars are volcanoes with a central crater surrounded by an ejecta ring formed through surface explosive processes from underlying magma interacting with fluids. The study of terrestrial maar volcanoes, as analogs to explosive volcanic vents on the Moon and other planets, can improve our understanding of planetary volcanism and evolution. In this study, we conducted a series of geophysical experiments at Kilbourne Hole Maar, New Mexico, a well‐preserved crater used for both science and crewed exploration lunar analog studies. The surveys included multiple active source seismic lines that sampled the geological units of both the crater rim and floor. We demonstrate the effectiveness of shallow seismic reflection methods integrated with P wave refraction and surface wave analysis to determine the elastic properties and create detailed near‐surface structural models in a terrestrial volcanic setting. The reflection profiles capture the top‐down strata of the crater rim. The velocity changes derived from independent inversions of refraction travel times and surface wave dispersions indicate varying (6–15 m) ash thickness around the rim and reveal the presence of high‐velocity anomalies in possible connection with crater collapse beneath the crater floor. Additionally, we estimate a base surge volume of approximately 6.4×106 $6.4\times {10}^{6}$ m3 ${\mathrm{m}}^{3}$ present on the rim. The integrated results highlight the potential for characterizing the subsurface of planetary bodies in greater detail and provide high‐fidelity data simulations for astronaut training. The operational insights serve as a valuable guideline for future crewed lunar missions and contribute to the development of strategies for optimizing planetary exploration.

Background/Aim: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune inflammatory disease, characterized by the production of numerous pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β), which lead to pathophysiological changes in innate and acquired immunity. The existing evidence shows that pro-inflammatory cytokines in rheumatoid arthritis impact monoaminergic neurotransmission, neurotropic factors, and synaptic activity, which may lead to the development of depression. Materials and Methods: In our study, we explored the association between TNF-α and IL-6, disease activity, and the degree of depression in patients with RA. The association between TNF-α and IL-6 and the Beck and Hamilton depression scales was analyzed in a group of 116 RA patients with depression. We investigated the same correlation in 45 patients with primary depression who represented the control group. Results: A Spearman test showed that IL-6 levels had a positive association with the Beck and Hamilton scales (p < 0.05) and that TNF-α had a positive association with the Hamilton scale (p < 0.05). Also, the Hamilton depression scale was the more sensitive scale in the detection of depressive symptoms. Conclusions: Our study indicates that elevated values of pro-inflammatory cytokines are associated with the degree of depression in patients with RA. Future preclinical and clinical studies will contribute to a better understanding of the pathophysiological mechanism of depression in patients with RA and may serve as the basis for new treatment modalities. By detecting depression promptly, with the help of the HAM-D as the more sensitive scale, we could influence the future modality of treatment, and with a multidisciplinary approach, we could ensure an improvement in the quality of life of patients with RA.

BACKGROUND Few questionnaires with established measurement properties can globally measure sleep in preschoolers and sleep-related family practices. OBJECTIVE To examine (1) concurrent validity of the SUNRISE parent questionnaire against an accelerometer for measuring sleep in preschoolers and (2) test-retest reliability of the questionnaire for sleep and related family practices. METHODS Sleep was measured using the questionnaire and Actigraph GTX3+ accelerometer using a decision-tree algorithm and the Sadeh algorithm in 1737 preschoolers (4.4±0.6years) from 30 countries. Concurrent validity was examined using correlation analysis (duration, timing, and quality), paired t test or the Wilcoxon signed-rank test, Bland-Altman plot (duration, timing), and analysis of sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy (variability). Test-retest variability was examined for sleep and family practice variables in a subsample of 163 participants (4.3±0.6years) from eight countries. RESULTS Questionnaire measures of sleep timing and duration were correlated with the accelerometer measures (r=0.43-0.75; p<.001). Although statistically significant mean differences were observed between questionnaire and accelerometer measures of sleep timing and duration variables, the difference in nighttime sleep duration had a small effect size (-14 min/d; Cohen's d=-0.2). The questionnaire was less able to provide adequate measurement for sleep quality and variability. High levels of reliability were observed for sleep (ICC=0.63-0.83; Kappa=0.53-0.62) and family practice (ICC=0.81-0.94; Kappa=0.73-0.86) variables. CONCLUSION The SUNRISE questionnaire appears reliable in assessing preschooler sleep characteristics and related family practices, particularly in disadvantaged settings. It could be used in global surveillance of nighttime sleep duration and in studies examining associations of sleep timing and duration with health indicators in preschoolers.

We consider the problem of exact maximum likelihood estimation of potentially high‐order () autoregressive models. We propose an extremely fast coordinate‐wise algorithm for fitting autoregressive models. This fast algorithm exploits several properties of the negative log‐likelihood when parameterised in terms of partial autocorrelations. We consider extensions to learning a single autoregressive model from multiple time series and to the more general case of regressions with autoregressive residuals. An implementation of the coordinate‐wise descent algorithm is shown to be the orders of magnitude faster than competing algorithms and appears to be the fastest known algorithm for maximum likelihood estimation of autoregressive models.

Abstract Background Rapid changes and dynamic markets significantly impact the way businesses operate. Many companies fail to adapt and innovate their business models, which jeopardises their sustainability. Managers, as key decision-makers, play a pivotal role in the innovation process, whereby their entrepreneurial competencies directly influence various dimensions of business model innovation. Objectives The main aim of this study is to examine the impact of entrepreneurial competencies on the new value proposition dimension of business model innovation (BMI), exploring competencies such as opportunity recognition, analytical thinking, innovativeness, tenacity, and passion for work. It investigates how these competencies contribute to developing new offerings and new channels, attracting new customers and markets, and building new customer relations. Methods/Approach The study is conducted on a sample of 267 managers of medium and large companies across various industries in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The data were analysed using Structural Equation Modelling (SEM). Results The results show that different entrepreneurial competencies have a significant impact on various aspects of a new value proposition. Conclusions The study contributes to a deeper understanding of the influence of different entrepreneurial competencies on new value proposition dimensions within BMI. Managers who effectively utilise these competencies can enhance their companies’ value propositions, thereby increasing competitiveness and business success.